Cone clutch system including independent friction member

A cone clutch assembly comprising:

• an inner cone member configured to be rotationally coupled to a first shaft, the inner cone member defining a first friction surface;
• an outer cone member configured to be rotationally coupled to a second shaft, the outer cone member defining a second friction surface opposing the first friction surface;
• and
• an independent friction member positioned between the first friction surface of the inner cone member and the second friction surface of the outer cone member,
• wherein the inner cone member and outer cone member are configured to be selectively engaged and disengaged from each other,
• wherein, when the inner cone member is engaged with the outer cone member, the first friction surface of the inner cone member frictionally engages a third friction surface of the friction member, and the second friction surface of the outer cone member engages a fourth friction surface of the friction member such that rotational motion is transferred between the inner cone member and the outer cone member via the friction member, and
• wherein the friction member includes a protrusion defining a fluid annulus volume between the friction member and a back surface of one of the inner cone member and the outer cone member.